Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar visits the Bnei Menashe in Israel
Last Thursday, Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, along with members of his staff, paid a special visit to Shavei Israel's Absorption Center in Givat Haviva to congratulate the 274 Bnei Menashe immigrants from India who arrived in the Jewish state in recent months as part of a renewed wave of aliyah.
The meeting between the Bnei Menashe and the Chief Rabbi was by all accounts remarkable. As the Chief Rabbi's car approached the absorption center, the Bnei Menashe literally ran out to meet it, singing and dancing along the way until the car could drive no further. The Bnei Menashe then escorted Rabbi Amar into the center where their enthusiasm continued.
We have the whole story here, plus some fabulous videos from the event. Here's one of a group of Bnei Menashe children reciting the Shema Israel prayer and the entire text of the 10 Commandments.
Bnei Menashe kids recite Shema and 10 Commandments
New Bnei Menashe synagogue dedicated in India
The Magen David community in Thinghejang
A new synagogue for the Bnei Menashe was dedicated at the end of February in the village of Thinghejang, about 50 kilometers from the main Shavei Israelcenter in Churachandpur.
Thinghejang has a very small Bnei Menashe community - only 15 families with around 85 members. This is not surprising given how isolated the village is: there is no road for vehicles and access is via an hour and a half hike across the hills of the Leimatak mountain range.
Those who make the trek, though, are rewarded by beautiful views all along the way - which you can see in this photo gallery of the synagogue dedication.
We also have photos from a visit to a nearby Bnei Menashe village with a serene mikveh (ritual bath). Click here to see all the photos.
Shavei Israelreaches out and assists Lost Tribes and "Hidden Jews" seeking to return to the Jewish people. These include the Bnei Menashe of India, the Bnei Anousim of Spain, Portugal & South America, the "Hidden Jews" of Poland and others. We welcome your support.
